WEBVTT YARDS APART MAY LIVE LONGER>> 53206, THE ZIP CODE THAT>> I GREW UP IN THAT AREA.>> AT 74, MELVIN WEAKLEY HAS>> YOU ARE NOT SURPRISED THAT>> NO, THEY CAN GET TO THINGS>> NEW RESEARCH SHOWS A 12-YEANORTH SHORE SUBURBS.THE MILWAUKEE HEALTHWHAT SURPRISED YOU IN IT?>> WHAT SURPRISED ME WAS JUST>> 60TH AND CLARK IN MILWAUKEE,THE STUDY SAYS THE PEOPLE HEREBUT, RIGHT OVER HERE EVERYTHINGJUST CROSSING THIS STREET ADDS>>WE ASK PEOPLE LIVING JUST YARDSWHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?>> IT COULD BE FINANCIAL>> YOU PAY ATTENTION TO>> MORE IMPORTANT THAN ACCESS TOHIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT AND A LACKAND MAYBE THE MOST CRITICAL>> MANY OF THESE ZIP CODES THAT>> UNTIL WE CAN DO A BETTER JOBIN MILWAUKEE, I’M KE

For example, 53206 is the ZIP code that marks the poorest neighborhoods in the heart of Milwaukee's north side. Research shows a 12-year difference in life expectancy, between the 71 years for a child born in 53206, and 83 years for a child in 53217, which includes Milwaukee County's wealthiest north shore suburbs.

The Milwaukee Health Department's Erica LeCount, who co-authored the five-year study said she was surprised at how great of a difference there is.

In some case, it even applies to neighboring zip codes, such as 53210 on Milwaukee's west side and 53213, which includes the east side of Wauwatosa. The average life expectancy in 53210 is 72 years, while it is 82 years in 53213.

As for the reason, more important than access to clinical care or family history, is what experts call the stress of poverty. Higher unemployment and a lack of access to quality housing, safe neighborhoods and healthier foods can lead to serious chronic health concerns. In Milwaukee County, maybe the most critical factor, LeCounte said, are higher rates of premature births and infant mortality.

"Many of these ZIP codes that have low life expectancies. It's because their youngest children are dying at such early ages. Until we can do a better job at preventing our children from dying early, there's a lot more that needs to be done," she said.

The link between poverty and a shorter life span is evident across Wisconsin, not just in Milwaukee County. The county with the lowest life expectancy is Menominee, which also has the state's highest poverty rate. The average life expectancy there is 72.5 years, compared to the state average of 79.6 years.